1. Real Weddings

A Fall-Inspired Wedding at the Sonnet House in Leeds, Alabama

There’s definitely something romantic about the South in the fall. That’s why Lindsey Cartwright (25 and an occupational therapy student) and Andrew C

There’s definitely something romantic about the South in the fall. That’s why Lindsey Cartwright (25 and an occupational therapy student) and Andrew Cartwright (29 and a financial planner) decided to host their rustic, fall-inspired wedding in Leeds, Alabama, at the Sonnet House, a beautiful two-story farmhouse with a wraparound porch that's surrounded by forests. “We knew we wanted to get married there the moment we entered the property,” Lindsey says. The flowers were all about autumn -- Lindsey’s favorite season. The florists at the Sonnet House incorporated blossoms full of earth tones in vibrant reds, oranges and yellows in the bouquets, boutonnieres and centerpieces, and even on top of the wedding cake. Magic Muffins created a four-tier white wedding cake with two middle hexagonal tiers and a "C" monogram in honor of the couple’s last name. And the groom’s cake? Andrew preferred to go with something a little less traditional but still classic: a tower of chocolate chip cookies. Lindsey’s favorite moment of the day was something she didn’t plan for: “My dad made an incredibly moving and funny speech after Andrew and I were introduced as husband and wife. It was very touching, and I’m happy to say that it was recorded on our behalf,” the bride says. At the end of the reception, Lindsey and Andrew rode away in a vintage white exit car, but the celebrations weren’t over. The couple continued the party with their loved ones at their favorite bar in Birmingham, Alabama. See the details, beautifully captured by Smith Squared Photography, below.

Three-Quarter Sleeve Lace Detail Wedding Dress
“We married in late fall, so I wanted to be sure to incorporate elements of the season into the colors and theme,” the bride says. Her fall bouquet was inspired by her favorite season, included red, coral orange and yellow roses with craspedia and flame calla lilies.
Lindsey wore a mermaid-style wedding dress by Oleg Cassini. “Since it was late November, I wanted something with sleeves,” the bride says. The dress featured sheer, three-quarter-length sleeves with lace detail and buttons all the way down the back through the train.
Andrew’s boutonniere continued the rustic, fall-inspired floral theme with wildflowers, craspedia and hypericum berries wrapped in twine.
The bridesmaid dresses were cornflower blue, Lindsey and Andrew’s favorite color. “It was important to me that they were comfortable all day and feel confident, so I let them pick out the exact style they wanted,” the bride says.
The wedding cake featured four tiers, with the center two tiers in hexagonal shapes. Fresh flowers in fall colors topped the cake and accented the base. It also featured a “C” drawn in icing in honor of the couple’s last name.
For wedding favors, the couple gave out mason jars filled with trail mix with little tags that said "thank you" for being a part of their special day.
Yellow Calla Lily and Thistle Asymetrical Centerpiece
The groom’s cake was simple and delicious: a stack of chocolate chip cookies. On top were two chocolate-covered strawberries, dressed to impress in designs to look like the groom’s suit and the bride’s dress.
Lindsey and Andrew made their grand exit in a white vintage car and continued their wedding celebrations at their favorite bar in Birmingham, Alabama.
The wedding ceremony took place on the grassy lawn in the back of the Sonnet House on an outdoor stage with a stone fireplace. The Sonnet House florists covered the stone fireplace in autumn-colored flowers to accent the seasonal surroundings.